CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls are holding injured core players Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn out of Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Coach Fred Hoiberg says Markkanen is “significantly better” but will miss his third straight game because of lower back spasms. LaVine’s surgically repaired left knee is sore and Dunn developed a toe problem in Thursday’s game against Memphis.
Hoiberg says the injuries are not a “long-term concern.” But LaVine, Markkanen and Dunn have made just 12 starts together since the blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler with Minnesota on draft night.
LaVine missed the first 42 games recovering from a torn ACL last season. Markkanen has missed nine – six for back issues, three for the birth of his child.
